Quick Intro: History of Surfing in Japan

It is believed that the history of surfing in Japan began with American Navy personnel stationed at the various ports of the country. Sometime before 1965, the sport appeared on the sandy shores and had been going strong ever since. By 1970, it was recognized as a sport and the NSA or Nippon Surfing Association was established, along with surf apparel stores and surf shops.  It is estimated that more than a million surfers hit the tides each year in Japan now.

While the history of surfing in Japan is not a long one, the weather conditions of the island country make for great wave riding at certain times of the year. Typhoon season brings continual swells to the shores. While the waves are not large, and remain fairly mellow, the amount of ridable lips make up for the size.

In the history of surfing in Japan, there are very few reports of shark attacks or water related deaths, statistics not claimed by many beaches. Only three to four shark attacks are reported each year, and fatality statistics are not registered. The only danger along Japan's sandy Pacific Ocean shores are the thieves waiting to take your wallet. High incidents of car break ins and thefts are reported each year.

With more than eight main points of break on the island, including Ibaraki, Chiba, Shonan, and  Izu, the history of surfing in Japan is sure to grow longer year to year. While it might have been started by Americans, it's all Asian style now. 

Surfing in Japan